New ND named in the Big Easy *

WWL, the CBS affiliate in New Orleans, has announced the promotion of Nicole Waivers to the role of news director. The appointment is effective from May 15, and Waivers, who has been the nightside executive producer at WWL since January 2022, is excited to take on the new role.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Waivers has been a part of the WWL family for years, having watched the station as a child. She graduated from Loyola University with a degree in communications and has worked in several positions at different stations in her career.

Waivers served as executive producer at WFAA Dallas before returning home to WWL, where she led the dayside producing and assignment desk teams. At WWL, she has played a key role in transforming the late-night news program.

In a statement, WWL President/General Manager Tod Smith praised Waivers, saying, "Nicole is a leader who brings a passion for the people of Southeast Louisiana. Her ties to the local area run deep. That, combined with her extensive cross-platform and multi-market experience, makes her the perfect choice to lead our newsroom into the future."

For her part, Waivers said she was thrilled to take on the new role and lead the newsroom. "Louisiana is my home. The food, music, and culture run through my veins," she said. "I can think of no greater honor than to lead this newsroom." With her experience and passion, it seems that Waivers is the perfect choice to take WWL's news program to new heights.